Posted by Brendajean on 2004-11-13 10:47:32
Post Subject: measurements for a child's sweater?
I found a helpful chart of shild's measurements -
http://www.fibergypsy.com/common/children.shtml
My question is - Say for a size 4 sweater, the chest measurement is 23", then the front and the back of the sweater should each measure half 23, which is 11 1/2, PLUS 1," 1 1/2," 2," or what?
My crochet stitches are larger than the guage, longer but not taller, and I'd rather adapt the patteren rather than switch to a smaller crochet hook.
are those directions for crochet? They are pretty easy, but a bit tricky in that it can be kinda unwieldy, what with a big crochet hook, and working around the strap.
Have you ever crochet around something before? You might want to practice crocheting around a plain pen first, to get the idea down, before you move onto the thong.
You have the slip knot on your crochet hook, hold it in front of the thong, hold the yarn in your other hand behind the thong strap, with the yarn going underneath the strap. Reach the hook over the top of the strap to grab the yarn, bringing it back to the front of the strap to make the stitch.
You'll need to stop every once in a while to smush the stitches up close to each other. Giving you good coverage of the strap, and allowing more room to make more stitches.
Hope this helps some!
Posted by Astrid on 2008-08-11 17:51:32
Post Subject:
If you have read my blog (it's in my sig) you already know that I have a great dislike for shopping for new things. The waste of other people has been my best supplier of yarns and fabric for a number of years now, but I've also found paints, glue, wood filler, tape, tools, sewing thread, packaging materials, display materials and buttons, zippers, metal rings, stuffing fibres, elastic band etc. from old clothing, toys and bags and such. Sometimes even beads and broken jewelry to reconstruct or reuse parts from. Not to mention the complete furniture.
I have shopped on line for jewelry supplies in the past and I will do so again for brooch pins and such. For special one time buys (a crochet hook, special buttons like jeans buttons or something I just browse until I find the best deal). I do have one favourite jewelry supplier because their prices are the best deal I found so far and the assortment is great (Sayila, based in Holland but they sell world wide now), but these days I even check Etsy before, because sometimes Etsians selling off leftovers even provide better deals, or with so many sellers I even find what my regular dealer doesn't have! For example I wanted either non allergic or silver plated ear wires, my supplier had only the non nickle free stuff, I found silver plated ones on Etsy for next to nothing. And the fact that I am buying someones leftovers makes me feel more comfortable about it too. At least from the prices I've seen so far I took it they didn't buy the stuff wholesale somewhere to resell through Etsy. For that reason I avoid Ebay if I can. It's too commercial for me.
Posted by sun bear on 2004-05-21 17:25:18
Post Subject:
hmm, when i was a kid and pretended to knit I always made like granny from sylvester and tweety, then I was dissapointed to find out the needles didn't have the little rounded ends up!
I've never seen anyone knit with a crochet hook though, although i think we have one of the afghan hooks they were describing, which looks like the knitting needle with a hook at the end.
I never noticed that one detail, you're super observant!
jt
Materials: yarn and crochet hook, plus some watered down glue.
Note: The size of the stitch dictates the size of the teeth, which then dictates the size of the skull. Do a test to see how big your skull will need to be for the teeth to look good.
Start at the top of the head and work your way down:
1. Begin by making a round bowl shape (think of this as a little skull cap).
2. When you get to the eyes, chain approx. 10 and attach approx. 4 stiches over. Do the same for the second eye. Continue around the bowl, attaching the eye chains as you go.
3. At the edge of where you want the nose to be chain 6, attaching chain to where the far side of nose should go. Continue around bowl.
4. To make upper teeth at the front, chain 2 or 3 and attach to base of chain. Slip stitch between teeth.
5. Taper bowl in, and where you want the jawbone to go chain approx. 22 stitches. Attach end of chain where you want other side of jawbone. Slip stitch across jawbone, skipping a stitch to make an angle and do lower teeth same as upper teeth.
6. Close off bottom of bowl to make a skulll shaped sphere.
7. Sew a single piece of yarn in the nose cavity to separate nostrils
8. Stuff the skull into shape and use a paint brush to coat it with watered down white glue (like Elmer's).
9. Pull out stuffing when dry.
Here's a pic: http://www.supernaturale.com/showcase/articles/crochet_skull.html
Posted by athena on 2005-05-02 11:29:58
Post Subject:
well, i don't know what the snb book sez, and i know you can do grafting--inserting a needle in a row above where you want to unravel, ripping out, then knitting *down.*
BUT, that's a lot of work. is it only one stitch that needs to be fixed? then just knit to the "column" the stitch is part of, drop the stitch (yes, just do it), let it ladder down to the mistake, and then using a crochet hook, put loop everything back up in the stitch it's supposed to be.
does that make sense to you? i can't figure out how to explain it better at the moment.
Posted by davyse on 2007-05-15 03:49:06
Post Subject:
thank you teagrrl :)
but i've allready combed through most thrift/2nd hand stores in town, they never have any hooks here, after 1 year I haven't seen 1 crochet hook..o0'
(and then there are the "thrift" stores that have a limited supply on crafting stuff that cost more than it does in a regular craft store ..same brands same sizes but more expensieve ^^''..)
Posted by sarabell on 2007-06-04 14:50:45
Post Subject:
i'm sure this will effect the gauge, but the bag-cutting method looks like a real pain with all the knotting - not to mention all the ends that have to be worked in. i'd say don't cut it that way, but fold the bag vertically in half then again then again then again (like into 8ths or 16ths.) cut strips (they'll be a big circular strip) then loop them together. the "string" will be stronger that way as well. i've tried that circular method. not fun! especially when you try to get it as even as possible. and it's too stretchy, i think....
oh, and you'll need LOTS of bags. for instance - i just made a key strap out of garbage bag. for just a 9 or 10 inch length of single crochet topstitch embellishment in a contrasting color with an H crochet hook, it took 4 strips of bag. on average, i'd say i get around a 12 - 15 strips per bag.
Posted by VintageEnthusiast on 2008-08-27 00:32:45
Post Subject: How did you learn your craft?
It’s interesting how people like to learn different ways. How did you learn your craft?
Years ago when I learnt crocheting, I did it by reading an old crocheting instructional book. I came across this book at a crafts fair, bought it because I needed something to read on the bus on the way home. I got so interested in it that before walking home from the bus stop, I stopped by the shops and bought my first crochet hook and some yarn. The rest is history. I loved it from day one.
Although my grandmother crocheted all the time, when she was alive I hadn’t really seen any interest in it. But now each time I crochet it reminds me of my grandmother and it makes me feel real good.
Posted by merrydeath on 2004-12-30 00:15:37
Post Subject:
haha! this is so funny you asked this, coz my dad and i were talking about this this morning! he was telling me about my gramma coz they lived during the depression and he said she would save scarps and stuff and make a rug out of them! neat, neat, neat. ohkay, this is how my dad explained it to me and this was from, the 20s30s soooo...here goes. he said my gramma would save scraps of fabric (he said she would use even her old stockings that were unmendable) and tie the scraps to each other. then she would take an oversized wooden crochet hook and crochet the scraps in a round way (i guess like you were crocheting a beanie or something?) and keep going around and around and around. until you're done i guess. i hope that helps atleast a little. and i was thinking you could sew some of the grippy stuff like for tubs and inside drawers to the bottom of your rug so it wouldn't slip or anything. you know? ohkay, well, i hope it helps... ^_^
Posted by twilight on 2006-12-07 20:46:16
Post Subject:
For knitting:
When I'm on the go I carry a small makeup clutch with knitting essentials. A cloth tape measure, a small notepad, a pen, scissors, a small ball of acrylic yarn for quick fixes and a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches and stich markers. This is a great knitting travel kit and has come in handy many times.
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-09 15:56:47
Post Subject: WOO!
Hey everybody! Welcome to the GetCrafty Community Book! I seem to be one of the coordinators along with Artgeek, so I'll tell you what it's about and let her weigh in later.
Several of us have been talking about doing a large-scale charitable project, perhaps to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. We want to create an old-school community recipe and crafts book, with helpful hints for first-time homeowners and apartment dwellers. What we want to do is perhaps publish this book through an online site like lulu.com and have the money donated to Habitat (and maybe a few others).
We will need recipes, hints, and inexpensive craft projects from all of you. We hope to have this book together in time for holiday season 2007, which means it needs to be edited and ready to roll by next October.
We will need section editors, illustrators, spell checkers and so on. We will also need you to tell us about your favorite crafts, craft stores, and hometowns. You do not need to be a US resident to participate. In fact we would love to hear from people all over the world! Eventually we would like photos of you crafting, of your finished pieces, and of the items you make. If you have an online store you'll be able to mention that too. All crafts and recipes should be original, or they should be credited to the author and come with permission to use. And if any of you live in the same area, you might want to get together and brainstorm on how best to highlight your home town, state, region, or country!
Remember- this is a community book by a virtual community. If you write a recipe, please try to use ingredients that are easy to obtain or that can be sustituted. If you use a specific yarn or crochet hook/knitting needle, please say what it is. If the craft level is intermediate or difficult, please say that too- we do want people to have some challenges.
Posted by punkinpie_prod on 2005-12-02 14:41:53
Post Subject:
I learned from a book and kit called Knitting...ha, imagine that. It contained yarn, needles, buttons, crochet hook and a plastic needle.
I bought it at a book store at the mall but I've seen the same kit in airports.
Very simple and easy. Good Luck!
Posted by bessiemae on 2005-02-05 20:55:43
Post Subject: Bitchin' Zombie Minx Mom
Imagine our surprise when my 10yo son Googled my maiden name and up popped a site for a slasher/zombie movie. Seems an ex-boyfriend wrote/produced this Piece of Crap and used my LEGAL Name for the lead female character, and billed as "Bitch" in the tag lines. hmmmmmm...Gotta love direct to video.
Apparently someone did not like the idea that I left him. Even though it was a LONG time ago! He was obviously not clever enough to CYA by changing the spelling of my names, either. And it ain't exactly a common name like "Lori Smith". Brought to you by the same wizards behind "Blair Witch". Guess they just missed that "disclaimer" about being "a work of fiction and similarities between persons living or dead being unintentional."
The chowderhead stole MY name!!!!!!
Resulted in many interesting questions from my son.
Anyone else in a similar experience??? Books? Songs? More Direct to Video Schlock?
At this point, I'm in the mood to rip 'em a new one with a crochet hook.
Posted by Craftasaurus Rex on 2006-10-05 00:15:16
Post Subject:
My dad taught me how to patch pants. He showed me how to take apart bikes, and how to strip furniture. Some people might think that those last two things are kind of teetering on the edge of the definition of "crafts"; I completely disagree.
My mom gave me a crochet hook and some string and taught me how to do the chain stitch (that's all that she could remember how to do). I would make 4 ft long chains, and rip them out, and remake them. It helped me figure out the most comfortable position to hold the yarn / hook. She also taught me some basic sewing machine skills.
My sister is very artistic, and she gave me a lot of ideas for different DIY things (making your own screen for screen printing from an embroidery hoop, different ways to alter t-shirts / clothing, etc.)
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-05-03 18:30:39
Post Subject:
Not necessarily cheap and easy, but the usual way is to get a heavy twill tape and stitch it on with one of those curved rug needles.
Another possibility is cutting lengths of yarn into pieces you knot over the edge. What's that called, a larks head knot? Fold the yarn in half, poke the fold through the rug edge with a rug hook or a crochet hook and then bring the tails down through the extended loop. Pull tight, move on to the next spot.
If the pile is dense enough, the spread may eventually cover the raw edges without it fraying much at all. That is you can see the rug canvas now, but might not after you walk on it a few days.
Posted by xuli on 2006-08-06 15:24:18
Post Subject:
I fly a LOT (6x/year or more), I always bring knitting, and I've not ever had a problem getting any knitting needles taken away from me on a plane, not since 2002. (Fall 2001 I lost a crochet hook to the TSA guidelines, but that's understandable.) Not even big aluminum needles have been a problem for me.
The one problem I have when flying with knitting is that people feel entitled to come up and talk to me (um, hello, I am not someone looking to meet a new best friend on the seat next to me!), but that's just a general hazard of knitting in public.
Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2005-03-18 13:26:01
Post Subject:
crochet works well too, esp. as a crochet hook is smalll and not to terribly pointy (i got a bamboo one on my last trip just to be sure they wouldn't take it). it also doesn't require a lot of arm room...
Posted by sun bear on 2004-10-06 10:21:07
Post Subject:
my mom is awesome :)
I was just telling someone the other day all of the things she taught me how to do and he said "is there anything she can't do?"
She built the furniture in her house, quilts, makes beaded bracelets with the tiniest crochet hook, knits, sews, altered my sister's wedding dress!
She also was an interior designer and a pretty good abstract artist a long time ago.
it's cool having all sorts of her creations all over the house, for my house she's made me a dog bed and a dog quilt and i've made my own curtains b/c if there's anything my mom taught me, is that i can do it myself :)
Posted by Athos on 2004-10-19 19:17:12
Post Subject:
oh boy, the age old question. this has been discussed several times here and also on other craft boards, so you might not get a ton of responses.
basically - crochet is usually used to make a more textured fabric, often much thicker than knitting. it also has many options for beautiful lace effects and generally goes much faster. it is easier to freestyle, as you only have one stitch on your hook at a time. it also uses more yarn and thus can be much more expensive than knitting. you also need far less tools to get a variety of sizes. there's just a few crochet hook sizes, where with knitting, you need a much larger variety of needles, cords, etc.
knitting generally produces a thinner, more flexible fabric. there are far and away better patterns for knitting, and it's usually easier to make garments out of knitting because the fabric drapes so well.
i love both for different reasons. i started crocheting, then learned knitting because i wanted to do certain things that would work better in knit, and now am doing both almost equally. i just made a gorgeous capelet in huge yarn using crochet (the pattern is available for free from the interweave knits website), and i also am looking forward to doing a couple patterns from the interweave knits special crochet magazine that just came out.
for your specific question - maybe. it depends on what turned you away from knitting, if you find needlework tedious, if you like to work with other mediums besides yarn, if you are not that interested in fashion, there are a million reasons to not like either. but if you just didn't find yourself engaged by the action of knitting, then it's entirely possible you'll like crochet. i personally recommend that you give it a try! it's one of my most rewarding hobbies.
Posted by tootsiecat on 2005-03-18 15:00:23
Post Subject:
from www.tsa.gov
Travelers & Consumers Printable Version
Special Considerations
Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint
Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by the TSA screener. TSA Screeners have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security. TSA recommends the following when bring knitting needles on an airplane:
Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
Scissors must have blunt points
In case the screener does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.
As a precautionary measure it is recommended that you carry a crochet hook with yarn to save the work you have already done in case your knitting tools are surrendered at the checkpoint.
Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items cannot be taken through a Security Checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage.
I work in security/operations dept. of a mid-sized airport and the TSA tell me knitting needles are allowed. If they confiscate them you will not get them back. they go in the trash. trust me i've thrown them out. the suggestion above about mailing them back to yourself is a good one.
Posted by bessiemae on 2006-11-28 21:58:55
Post Subject:
Made my mom a repro sampler..to framer, tomorrow. Friends have requested color copies of it. Also making her a pastoral scene pillow from a thrifted sweater I felted.
Thinking about tiny boxes of truffles, tied with stunning ribbons for coworkers.
Assortment of baked goods.
Homemade dog biscuits.
May thieve Quornflour's hot pad ideas..
Lounge pants for the Monkey Boys.
Working on some vintage inspired treats and treasures: knitting/crochet hook rolls tied with fancy ribbons; black squirrel vintage-esque dish towels; really cool purses. Beyond that, I can't say as the recipients will read..
Posted by jsiegel31 on 2005-10-11 00:36:42
Post Subject:
Do not buy one of these. I purchased the "hip belt" for a young girl as a gift and while it says KNIT IT on the package, there was a photocopied sheet for the crochet instructions inside (along with a crochet hook). The belt was actually a crochet project, not knitting. Checked the box 4times assuming I'd missed the note. Didn't. On top of which, the crochet instructions are beyond lame.
Posted by Sabriel Olive on 2005-06-03 14:09:51
Post Subject:
My friend is pregnant with her first child and it is my first friend who is pregnant. Soooo, I am making her a green baby blanket, I am going to embroider "Blazer Baby" on a onesie. (Blazer is the last name). I just finished making myself a crochet hook case. Does anybody have a crochet stuffed giraffe pattern? I would love to make one for my friend's baby.
Posted by thelivingroom on 2005-04-29 14:23:04
Post Subject:
*spending money
*swatching (egads)
*my unfortunate habit of dropping stitches and not realizing it until about five stitches later (and I don't have a crochet hook to fix them)
*crafter's block (I'll just get stuck on something and don't know what to do with it next)
*impatience (I'm happier when I get to the end of something than when I'm actually doing it)
Posted by brdgt on 2005-01-01 12:56:49
Post Subject:
Knitting needles are allowed. In fact, I've traveled at least four times since 9/11 with scissors, needles, stitch holders, etc. i wouldn't pack your nicest pair of scissors that grandma gave you, but if they are small, clearly for knitting use scissors, I've never had a problem.
But, this is straight from the "horse's mouth":
"Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by the TSA screener. TSA Screeners have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security. TSA recommends the following when bring knitting needles on an airplane:
* Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
* We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
* Scissors must have blunt points
* In case the screener does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.
* As a precautionary measure it is recommended that you carry a crochet hook with yarn to save the work you have already done in case your knitting tools are surrendered at the checkpoint.
Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items cannot be taken through a Security Checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage."
Posted by go-fish on 2005-01-11 13:56:38
Post Subject:
'nyway...somebody on Glitter once mentioned that it takes 15%...or was it 30% less yarn to knit an item than if you crochet it..
really? That'll be good to know...
I like both. Crochet lends itself well to spur of the moment designing. Knitting requires more planning. Although I am sure modular knitting, ie, patchwork knitting, or even freeform knitting is totally possible.
Don't forget, knitting is way more elastic than crochet!
I started w/ crochet and couldn't get it, went to knitting no problem, and now crochet is fine for me.
I think technically crochet is easier, cause there is less needle manipulation to learn.
I think fine knitted items are amazing and if I had to choose between knitting and crochet (desert island) I'd take needles, (and make myself a crochet hook out of a stick later!)
Posted by Catana on 2005-01-15 09:15:05
Post Subject:
I learned both from books. The advantage of a book is that it sits still and waits for you in case you need to refer to it. I don't have a good memory for new things, so watching somebody do something is frustrating. Once they're gone, I have no reference unless there's a book at hand. I can see that it might be nice to have someone show you in real time and 3D how it goes. And then the book will guide you.
I've done a lot of knitting and like it as a fabric, but prefer to crochet. More textural variation without the bother of extra needles, round needles, etc. Also crochet is better for confined spaces, like an airline seat. (And maybe a crochet hook has a better chance to make it through inspections than those pointy long needles.) :-)
Posted by craftytricks on 2005-01-10 11:18:43
Post Subject:
I generally feel that crocheting is a bit more versatile than knitting. I crochet when I want to make very large or very small items because using one crochet hook can often be simpler than two knitting needles. Crocheting is also good when you want an interesting texture (like popcorn or lace). But knitting has it's advantages too. Knitting is good for making flat smooth pieces, like for stuffed animals. Also, knitting on circular needles can be very fast and easy. So really it's up to you and how coordinated you feel with one or the other. I'd recommend learning both at some point, but you can't go wrong with either one on it's own.
Also, I agree with A Little Hut that learning from a book can make knitting/crocheting seem much harder than it actually is. If you can, find someone to sit down with you for 10 or 15 minutes to show you the technique--then you should be off to a better start. Good luck!
Posted by peenkfrik on 2006-04-17 02:51:40
Post Subject:
The crafty attitude is in my blood but I wasn't really crafty all the time. Over here, crafting is more of an expensive hobby and only a few people can appreciate it.
It was in college that I got bored and sick of my engineering subjects so I decided to buy a crochet hook and a ball of thread, which I made into my first red crochet bag! Then I was introduced to jewelry-making and realized how much money I can make out of it so I tried it too.
It's amazing how boredom can squeeze the artist out of you....
